Monthly Archives: April 2016

Spring has sprung in the Texas Hill Country and I’ll bet that many of you have taken advantage of the nice weather to do a little gardening. But, did you know that some of the plants you may be planting are poisonous to your pets if eaten? Here is a list of some plants commonly used in landscaping that are toxic to cats and dogs.

Sago Palms: This has become a very popular plant for landscaping in this area because they are low maintenance and the deer don’t seem to eat them. Unfortunately, they are extremely poisonous to dogs and cats. The seeds or “nuts” contain the highest concentration of the toxin and ingestion of just 1 or 2 seeds can have serious effects. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure are likely outcomes to ingestion of these seeds. I have seen 3 dogs poisoned by this plant over the past 3 months. One seems to be doing OK, but unfortunately the other 2 have died of liver failure. If you have pets I highly recommend you remove your Sago Palms from your landscaping.

Lilies: Members of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species are considered highly toxic to cats. Ingestion of just 1 leaf can result in severe kidney damage and death in cats. If you have cats, do not have lilies! Its just too risky that your curious cat may try a leaf or two.

Oleander: All parts of this plant are considered toxic for pets. Results of ingestion are GI irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, and death.

Castor Bean: These beans are commonly made into necklaces. The poisonous component here is Ricin. Chewing on these necklaces can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, seizures, coma and death.

Some other plants that are toxic to pets include Tulips, Azaleas, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Yew, Chrysanthemum, Amaryllis, English Ivy, Autumn crocus, Pothos, and Schefflera. I don’t have enough room to list EVERY toxic plant in this article, but a more information is available with the Animal Poison Control Center at: www.napcc.aspca.org or 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

I would be especially careful if you are or plan to be the proud new owner of a puppy or kitten as these youngsters will literally eat anything and have a higher risk of getting into trouble. Take a list of toxic plants for pets with you next time you go to the nursery to spruce up your landscaping.

Meet Tiffany! Tiffany came to see us because she was not feeling well and her owner was worried she may have ingested something she should not have! After further examination, Dr. Hossalla suspected that Tiffany had a foreign body (something that should not be there!) Dr. Hossalla performed an exploratory surgery to remove the item and repair any damage done to Tiffany’s intestines. After a long recovery, Tiffany is finally on the mend and doing well at home! We are so glad because Tiffany is such a sweetheart!

Canyon City Animal Hospital

Sweet Louise! Louise has came to see us a few times for not feeling well. She has had to be hospitalized and placed on I.V. Fluids a few times for Pancreatitis. Patients that have been diagnosed with Pancreatitis usually present with vomiting and diarrhea and can get dehydrated very quickly. Patients and can be treated with supportive care. She is a trooper and has pulled through each time. We are glad to report that she is currently home, happy and feeling well!

Hunters Canyon Animal Hospital

Meet Courtney! Courtney is a sweet, gentle Shetland Sheepdog who we all just love to see! She comes in frequently for spa days and always a good girl! She is older, so she is not as crazy active as some can be in their younger years! She is always a joy to be around and we look forward to seeing her each time she visits!